313–Ode_to_a_fundamental_force.html

Ode to a fundamental force

Magnetism makes me smile,
A force so strong and versatile.
Electrons whizzing round at will
Produce a force that stays quite still.
Holding notes on each fridge door
But capable of so much more.
Magnets whirring hour on hour
Generate electric power.
Magnets keep the sailor straight
Guards him from a dreadful fate.
But the hardest thing to understand
Is this plastic bug jumping on my hand!

Author notes

The plastic bug is a small “cracker” toy a red spider moulded round a magnet that leaps and spins as you play with another magnet below.